U.S. patent number 7,311,660 [Application Number 10/826,866] was granted by the patent office on 2007-12-25 for method and apparatus for heating and applying warm antifog solution to endoscopes as well as a distal lens protector.
Invention is credited to Ricardo Alexander Gomez.
United States Patent |
7,311,660 |
Gomez |
December 25, 2007 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Method and apparatus for heating and applying warm antifog solution
to endoscopes as well as a distal lens protector
Abstract
A sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used for heating
and applying solution to the distal end of endoscopes as well as an
endoscopic lens protector. The heating mechanism is chemical,
electrical or a combination of both. Further the apparatus serves
as a self sealing container for the storage and application of
anti-fog solution. By placing the apparatus over the distal scope
prior to surgery, the scope is protected from damage from other
instruments or trays. At the same time the distal lens is submerged
in the warm anti-fog solution and it is uniformly and completely
coated. Heat is transferred to the instrument from the solution in
one example to act as an important and additional measure to
prevent fogging of the lens. By heating the solution and the
instrument, the drastic temperature difference between the interior
of the body (98.6) and the instrument is eliminated. This inhibits
the condensation of moisture, which always occurs upon inserting
the cool scope inside the warm body. The apparatus combines the use
of an anti-fog solution as well, which helps prevent fogging during
the procedure when smoke and heat is generated within the body
during the procedure. Lastly, the apparatus is designed to be used
as a holder of the scope while protecting it from impact with a
shock absorbent outer shell prior to, during, and after the medical
procedure. A new method for defogging endoscopes by which a sterile
protective device is combined with a defogging mechanism and placed
over the distal lens of endoscopes prior to the medical procedure,
used intermittently during the procedure, then placed over the lens
at the end of the procedure. The apparatus is not removed until
scope reaches the cleaning facility. This apparatus is ideal for
sterile operations where the instrument is used intermittently and
repeatedly.
Inventors: |
Gomez; Ricardo Alexander
(Amherst, MA) |
Family
ID: |
35097158 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/826,866 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2004 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20050234301 A1 |
Oct 20, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/169;
126/263.08; 600/133; 600/101; 126/263.09; 126/263.06;
126/263.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
1/127 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
1/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;600/101,133,175-177,153,156,157,102 ;607/112,114
;126/263.02,263.07 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Dvorak; Linda C. M.
Assistant Examiner: Kasztejna; Matthew J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McCormick, Paulding & Huber
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sterilized endoscopic scope defogger comprising: a casing made
of an insulated substantially rigid material, the casing having
sidewalls defining a plurality of sidewall chambers and a central
chamber, an outer surface of the casing defining an inlet of a
cavity communicating with the central chamber to allow a surgical
scope to be inserted into the central chamber through the inlet of
the cavity; exothermic reactive chemicals including a catalyst
disposed within the sidewall chambers; a defogging solution
disposed within the central chamber and to be heated by the
exothermic reactive chemicals, and wherein the sidewall chambers
configured to be breachable to create a sustained exothermic
reaction in order to heat a surgical scope submerged in and heated
via the heated defogging solution; and the cavity being
self-sealing and configured to allow a surgical scope to be
inserted through the inlet of the cavity and to be submerged in and
heated via the defogging solution, and to prevent the defogging
solution from spilling out of the inlet of the cavity.
2. An endoscopic scope defogger as in claim 1 wherein the cavity is
configured for receiving a distal end of an endoscopic lens in
order to submerge the distal end in the defogging solution.
3. An endoscopic scope defogger as in claim 1 wherein the catalyst
for the heating reaction is in gel form in order to achieve a time
delay reaction.
4. An endoscopic scope defogger as in claim 1 wherein said casing
includes a shock absorbent material.
5. An endoscopic scope defogger as in claim 1 wherein said casing
has an adhesive coupled thereto.
6. An endoscopic scope defogger as in claim 5 wherein said adhesive
is hook and loop fasteners.
7. An endoscopic scope defogger as in claim 1 further comprising a
wiping cloth coupled to an outer surface of the casing.
8. An endoscopic scope defogger as in claim 7 wherein said wiping
cloth is impregnated with a defogging solution.
9. An endoscopic scope defogger as in claim 1 wherein said casing
is made of a disposable material.
10. An endoscopic scope defogger as in claim 1 wherein said casing
has a compact configuration.
11. A compact portable sterile scope defogger comprising: a casing
made of an insulated substantially rigid material, an interior of
the casing defining a plurality of divided compartments including
breachable periphery compartments and a central compartment, an
outer surface of the casing defining an inlet of a cavity
communicating with the central compartment; a predefined number of
chemicals disposed in the periphery compartments to achieve a
plurality of exothermic reactions upon breaching of the periphery
compartments; and a defogging solution disposed within the central
compartment and to be heated by the chemicals, and wherein the
cavity is configured to be self-sealing and the central compartment
being shaped to allow a surgical scope to be inserted through the
inlet of the cavity into the central compartment and submerged in
and heated via the heated defogging solution, and to prevent the
defogging solution from spilling out of the central compartment and
out of the inlet of the cavity.
12. A disposable compact portable sterile scope defogger
comprising: a casing made of an insulated substantially rigid
material, the casing defining a plurality of periphery compartments
and a central compartment, an outer surface of the casing defining
an inlet of a cavity communicating with the central compartment to
allow a surgical scope to be inserted into the central compartment
through the inlet of the cavity; chemicals disposed in a portion of
the periphery compartments; reactive metals disposed in another
portion of the periphery compartments adjacent to outer sidewalls
of the central compartment; ducts interconnecting the periphery
compartments; breachable membranes separating the periphery
compartments, the breachable membranes being configured to be
breachable for intermingling of the chemicals to generate an
exothermic reaction and for gases generated by the exothermic
reaction to travel through the ducts such that the reactive metals
react with the gas to further generate a sustained exothermic
reaction and to transfer heat to the central compartment; and a
defogging solution disposed in the central compartment and to be
heated by the chemicals, and wherein the cavity is configured to be
self-sealing and the central compartment being shaped to allow a
surgical scope to be inserted through the inlet of the cavity into
the central compartment and submerged in and heated via the
defogging solution, and to prevent the heated defogging solution
from spilling out of the central compartment and out of the inlet
of the cavity.
13. A disposable compact portable sterile scope defogger
comprising: a casing made of an insulated substantially rigid
material, the casing defining a plurality of periphery compartments
and a central compartment, an outer surface of the casing defining
an inlet of a cavity communicating with the central compartment to
allow a surgical scope to be inserted into the central compartment
through the inlet of the cavity; chemicals disposed in a portion of
the periphery compartments; reactive metals disposed in another
portion of the periphery compartments adjacent to outer sidewalls
of the central compartment; ducts interconnecting the periphery
compartments; breachable membranes separating the periphery
compartments, the breachable membranes being configured to be
breachable for intermingling of the chemicals to generate an
exothermic reaction and for gases generated by the exothermic reach
on to travel through the ducts such that the reactive metals react
with the gas to further generate a sustained exothermic reaction
and to transfer heat to the central compartment, and the membranes
each retaining a different decomposition characteristic; and a
defogging solution disposed in the central compartment and to be
heated by the chemicals, and wherein the cavity is configured to be
self-sealing and the central compartment being shaped to allow a
surgical scope to be inserted through the inlet of the cavity into
the central compartment and submerged in and heated via the
defogging solution, and to prevent the heated defogging solution
from spilling out of the central compartment and out of the inlet
of the cavity.
14. A compact portable sterile scope defogger comprising: a casing
made of an insulated substantially rigid material, the casing
defining a central compartment and a plurality of divided periphery
compartments including breachable periphery membranes each having a
different decomposition characteristic, the central compartment
being defined by sidewalls of the periphery compartments, an outer
surface of the casing defining an inlet of a cavity communicating
with the central compartment to allow a surgical scope to be
inserted into the central compartment through the inlet of the
cavity; a predefined number of chemicals disposed within the
periphery compartments to achieve a plurality of exothermic
reactions upon breaching of the periphery membranes; and a
defogging solution disposed within the central compartment and to
be heated by the chemicals, and wherein the cavity is configured to
be self-sealing and the central compartment being shaped to allow a
surgical scope to be inserted through the inlet of the cavity into
the central compartment and be submerged in and heated via the
defogging solution, and to prevent the heated defogging solution
from spilling out of the central compartment and out of the inlet
of the cavity.
15. A disposable compact portable sterile scope defogger
comprising: a casing made of an insulated substantially rigid
material the casing defining a central compartment and a plurality
of periphery compartments, an outer surface of the casing defining
an inlet of a cavity communicating with the central compartment to
allow a surgical scope to be inserted into the central compartment
through the inlet of the cavity; chemicals disposed in a portion of
the periphery compartments; a chemical reaction catalyst disposed
within another portion of the periphery compartments, the catalyst
being in the form of a gel to achieve a time delayed reaction;
reactive metals disposed in a further portion of the periphery
compartments adjacent to outer sidewalls of the central
compartment; ducts interconnecting the periphery compartments;
breachable membranes separating the periphery compartments, the
breachable membranes each having a different decomposition
characteristic, the breachable membranes being configured to be
breachable for intermingling of the chemicals to generate an
exothermic reaction and for gases generated by the exothermic
reaction to travel through the ducts such that the reactive metals
react with the gas to further generate a sustained exothermic
reaction and to transfer heat to the central compartment; and a
defogging solution disposed in the central compartment and to be
heated by the chemicals, and wherein the cavity is configured to be
self-sealing and the central compartment being shaped to allow a
surgical scope to be inserted through the inlet of the cavity into
the central compartment and submerged in and heated via the
defogging solution, and to prevent the heated defogging solution
from spilling out of the central compartment and out of the inlet
of the cavity.
16. A compact portable sterile scope defogger comprising: a casing
made of an insulated substantially rigid material, the casing
defining a plurality of periphery compartments and a central
compartment formed by sidewalls of the periphery compartments, an
outer surface of the casing defining an inlet of a cavity
communicating with the central compartment to allow a surgical
scope to be inserted into the central compartment through the inlet
of the cavity, the periphery compartments each including a
breachable membrane having a different decomposition
characteristic; a predefined number of chemicals disposed in the
periphery compartments to achieve a multiplicity of exothermic
reactions upon breaching of the breachable membranes; and a
defogging solution disposed in the central compartment and to be
heated by the chemicals, and wherein the cavity is configured to be
self-sealing and the central compartment being shaped to allow a
surgical scope to be inserted through the inlet of the cavity into
the central compartment and submerged in and heated via the
defogging solution, and to prevent the heated defogging solution
from spilling out of the central compartment and out of the inlet
of the cavity.
17. A method to defog a surgical scope comprising: providing a
thermally insulated container having a housing defining an inlet
for receiving a scope, a defogging solution disposed within the
inlet, the inlet being self-sealing to prevent the defogging
solution from spilling out of the inlet and breachable chambers
containing reactants for heating the defogging solution; breaching
the compartments containing the reactants to produce a sustained
exothermic reaction to heat the defogging solution; and
periodically inserting a scope as needed during a surgical
procedure within the inlet and submerging the scope in the heated
defogging solution to heat the scope via the defogging solution.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to endoscopy and laparoscopy
aezscopes used in minimally invasive surgery and other medical
procedures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
sterile, compact, disposable apparatus used for heating, applying
anti-fog solution, and protecting of the surgical scope lens prior
to and during a surgical procedure.
BACKGROUND
Over the last two decades the use of endoscopic and laparoscopic
optical scopes to perform surgery has grown exponentially. Today,
in the United States more than 98% of the 770,000 gall bladder
surgeries are performed using the help of an optical scope.
Laparoscopes allow the surgeon to view the interior of the body
cavity through a very small opening. By having this view, surgeons
can then insert thin long instruments through other small incisions
an remove virtually any internal organ. Many procedures once done
through a large opening in the abdomen can now be done with the
small incisions. The benefits of endoscopic surgery are tremendous.
From the birth of endoscopic surgery to the very present surgeons
have continually dealt with a persistent and annoying problem, the
fogging of the scope lens. The fogging of the scope is not only
inconvenient but is actually very costly. When scopes fog up during
surgery, the surgeon cannot see and must pause the surgery until
the picture clears up. This routine commonly occurs at least
several times every procedure. With the incredible costs relating
to anesthesia and surgical staff, every extra minute wasted truly
equals hundreds and thousands of dollars. At the present time,
anti-fogging solution is the method most commonly used to try and
solve the fogging problem. Although they work well during the case,
defogging solutions fall short in several ways. The main reason
defogging solutions do not work is because they are applied
improperly. Normally defogging solution is placed on a pad. The
surgeon dabs the pad and wipes off the lens. In order for
anti-fogging solutions to work effectively, they must be allowed to
rest on the lens for some time and not be quickly wiped off.
Another major downfall of anti-fog solutions relates to
temperature. The temperature in the Operating Room is kept at
abnormally cold level to inhibit bacterial growth. This environment
cools the scope and the defogging solution prior to surgery. When
the scope is inserted into the body, the moist hot environment in
the body causes water to condense on the lens. The surgeon must
wait until the scope equalizes temperature before beginning the
case. Another problem is that during the procedure the surgeon
usually has to reapply the defogging solution. Every time this is
done the cold solution cools the lens and repeatedly causes the
same initial condensation until temperature equilibrium is reached.
Cumulatively, this wastes precious operating time. Another problem
with current defogging solution methods is that they are messy,
very wasteful, and potentially dangerous. Defogging solutions come
within a small bottle with a small pad. The small pad is brought up
to the operative site and the solution is poured on the pad. The
solution is often spilled or drips away from the pad soaking the
drapes on the patient. Also, the applicator pads are not usually
radiolucent. If there is an emergency and the surgeon is forced to
make a large incision, the pad could unintentionally be introduced
into the body and would be undetectable by X-Ray. Another technique
to prevent fogging is to try and heat the scope prior to inserting
it into the body. One common method used to heat the scope for
surgery is to place the scope in a bucket of warm saline or wrap
the scope in a warm moist towel before the case begins. These
methods are highly inefficient. The cold temperature in the room
quickly cools down the warm towels and the warm saline. Using extra
supplies such as sterile buckets, saline, and towels wastes money.
Scopes are very expensive, so it is very dangerous to place the
scope standing upright in a bucket; it can unintentionally be
knocked over and damaged. Also, the bottom of the bucket or the
towels easily scratches the lens. Scratched or damaged lenses is a
major problem for hospitals. The estimated yearly cost to hospitals
for endoscope repair is in the millions of dollars. Protecting
scopes from damage is very important. Unfortunately, none of the
apparatuses designed to heat endoscopes prior to surgery have
attained commercial success for several reasons. Primarily, they
are all either not practical due to high cost, time intensive set
up or do not address the need to control fogging during the
procedure and are only useful in preventing fogging at the
beginning of the case. Another major downfall is that they try to
replace anti-fog solution with only heat as oppose to combining the
benefits of each other. It is well known that heating the optical
scope prior to insertion into the body prevents fogging. It is also
clear from the clinical experience that defogging solutions work
well to prevent fogging during the case. What is needed is an
apparatus that combines the benefits of both heat and anti-fog
solution in order to provide superior defogging protection during
the entire procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention presents an apparatus that combines the
benefits of both heat and anti-fog solution therefore providing
superior anti-fogging protection during the entire procedure. The
apparatus is a self-contained disposable sterile apparatus for
heating and applying warm anti-fog solution. The apparatus is
compact and designed to be placed over the distal lens of
endoscopes prior to medical procedure. By allowing the scope lens
to bathe in the warm defogging solution prior to the procedure, as
opposed to just wiping it the solution on and off, the
effectiveness of the defogging solution is greatly increased. The
apparatus includes a solid foam outer shell with an interior
divided into several compartments. A reservoir in the center of the
apparatus is filled with anti-fog solution. Surrounding the
reservoir are the compartments have reactants within them. When a
seal is purposely broken and the chemicals are intermixed a series
of exothermic reactions occurs. The heat generated from the
reaction is used to heat the center solution receptacle. The
instrument is inserted into the self sealing hollow to be submerged
within the solution residing in the receptacle. The instrument is
simultaneously heated and bathed in the warm solution. The hard
frame and soft interior create a barrier around the delicate
instrument. This protects the expensive scope from damage
potentially caused by other instruments and trays prior to and when
not in use during surgery. Protecting the scope is a very
beneficial attribute since scopes are very expensive and are
frequently scratched or damaged during cases costing hospitals a
great deal of money. By heating the solution and the instrument,
the drastic temperature difference between the interior of the body
(98.6) and the instrument is eliminated. This inhibits the
condensation of moisture, which always occurs upon inserting the
cool scope inside the warm body. By also combining the use of a
defogging solution, fogging is further prevented during the
procedure when smoke and heat is generated within the body during
the procedure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
These objects and features of the invention will be more clearly
understood from the following detailed description along with the
accompanying drawing figures, wherein:
FIG. 1a. Three-dimensional front/side view of apparatus with
vents
FIG. 1b. Three-dimensional front/side view of apparatus without
vents
FIG. 2. Three-dimensional transparent front/side view of apparatus
with internal contents
FIG. 3. Three-dimensional transparent posterior/top view of
apparatus with internal contents
FIG. 4. Side view of apparatus
FIG. 5. Side view of apparatus with bottom flap mechanism fully
extended.
FIG. 6. Side view of scope inserted in to apparatus vertically
showing size relationship.
FIG. 7. Side view of scope inside apparatus lying flat with flap
mechanism fully extended.
FIG. 8. View of scope inside sheath with lens submerged in solution
within reservoir
FIG. 9. Mechanism for preventing the solution inside reservoir from
spilling out when apparatus is turned upside down.
FIG. 10. Enlarged transparent side view of apparatus showing
internal components necessary for the fast starting sustained
exothermic reaction.
FIG. 11-17 Sequence of steps for the activation of the preferred
exothermic reaction.
FIG. 11. Arrows showing downward pressure is applied to the
external extension of the Cylinder containing Iron oxide
catalyst.
FIG. 12. Catalyst containing cylinder pushes through seal and
enters Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) filled lower chamber. Iron oxide
pellets fall out of cylinder and enter H2O2 solution. Iron pellets
are attracted and move towards magnet below cup shaped
indentation.
FIG. 13. Iron oxide pellets congregate around magnet. Decomposition
of H2O2 begins to occur. Oxygen gas generated from the
decomposition reaction begin to rise to the upper part of lower
chamber.
FIG. 14. Oxygen gas continues to be generated by the decomposition
of H2O2. Oxygen gas continues to accumulate in upper part of lower
H2O2 filled chamber. Pressure begins to raise pushing H2O2 inside
the empty cylinder.
FIG. 15. Oxygen gas continues to be slowly generated in lower
chamber. The Oxygen pressure continues to rise and the H2O2 inside
the hollow cylinder is forced through the tube into the space
surrounding the reservoir which contains powdered Iron Oxide
catalyst.
FIG. 16. H2O2 continues to enter space-surrounding reservoir. The
small amount of H2O2 that enters the space is overwhelmed by the
powdered catalyst and Instantaneously Decomposes into water and
Oxygen releasing great deal of heat upon contact with powdered iron
catalyst. Heat is quickly transferred to reservoir and solution
within the reservoir. Oxygen generated from the fast decomposition
reaction occurring in the space around reservoir, rises into the
upper chamber and begins to slowly exothermically oxidize the
unoxidized iron material heating the surrounding sheath and upper
part of reservoir
FIG. 17. Oxygen gas pushes the remainder of H2O2 out of tube. O2
gas continues to be slowly generated in lower chamber. Oxygen gas
passes through hollow cylinder, through tube into space surrounding
reservoir. Once inside the space the Oxygen gas quickly rises and
begins to fill the upper chamber. The Oxygen gas slowly and for a
sustained period of time exothermically oxidizes the unoxidized
Iron material heating the sheath and upper part of reservoir. The
slow Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide in the lower chamber
maintains a constant supply of oxygen generation and also maintains
the space around the reservoir heated.
FIG. 18. Alternative square outer shape of apparatus
FIG. 19. Alternative tubular outer shape of apparatus
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In one particular embodiment the apparatus described in this
invention comprises of an outer shell (27) made of a foam material
or any solid yet shock absorbing insulating material. This shell is
designed to protect the lens of the scope or any other type of
instrument from damage prior, during, and after the procedure. The
material has to also be inexpensive since the apparatus is
disposable and for single patient use. The outer shell cover is
preferably constructed of any high density Polyurethane, Etha,
Viscoelastic, Latex foams, or the like. It can also be made from
rubber foam. A Semi-flexible thermoplastic can also be used. The
outer shell can also be made from Insulating cardboard or a thick
insulating fabric. The outer shell can alternatively be constructed
out of a plastic frame covered by a silicone rubber or insulating
plastic. It is important that the material have good shock
absorbing and insulating properties
The outer shell is preferably in the shape of a tear drop as in
FIG. 1 but can alternatively be made in any shape; square or
spherical, clearly shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. The apparatus can
also have a tubular shape. The apparatus can have rounded corners
or square corner. The entire apparatus exteriorly is preferably 4
inches long, 3.5 inches wide, and 4 inches high but can be as small
as 2 inches wide and 2 inches long and 2 inches high. Alternatively
the apparatus can be as large as 6 inches wide, 6 inches long and 8
inches high. Clearly, the apparatus can be sized to conform the
shape of any instrument used.
On the bottom of the outer shell contains solid flap (4), which can
have the same perimeter as the base of the outer shell. This flap
is attached only at the front bottom part of the apparatus creating
a hinge (28). The flap is also attached in the middle by two
elastic bands (7). The flap can be constructed of a high-density
foam material, cardboard or plastic. The external face of the
bottom flap has an adhesive material (5) that has a protective
cover until it is needed. When the surgery begins and the surgeon
brings the apparatus up to the operative field he can secure the
apparatus anywhere on top of the drapes by removing the protective
cover from adhesive bottom and sticking the apparatus anywhere on
the operative field. The function of the flap is so that the scope
can be inserted vertically (FIG. 6) but when it is not in use, is
the flap mechanism allows the apparatus to rotate horizontally
while the scope remains inside the apparatus as shown in FIG. 5 and
FIG. 7. Although the apparatus rotates along the hinge (28), the
flap maintains it securely attached to the drapes by the adhesive
flap. Alternatively, the apparatus may be constructed without the
flap and the adhesive can be placed directly on the bottom of the
apparatus. Also the apparatus can be secured on any surface through
such devices as but not limited to: adhesives, screws, magnetism,
mounts, clips, or VELCRO.
The exterior of the apparatus may contain a soft, non-scratch,
absorbent sponge in the uppermost part (2). The sponge can be
square in shape or in the shape of a rectangle. Alternatively the
sponge can be in the shape of an eclipse or a circle. The sponge
can be 1/4 to 1/16 of an inch thick. This sponge is used to wipe
the excess defogging solution from the scope after it is removed
from the apparatus and can also help with cleaning blood from the
scope when it is removed from body cavity.
Internally the apparatus contains a center sheath (12). This center
sheath has a center canal that accommodates the scope. This sheath
preferably runs directly down the center or the apparatus from the
upper front to the lower back as shown in FIG. 2. The sheath can
alternatively run directly down the center or lateral to the
center. The location of the sheath can be in any configuration as
long as uniform thermal conductivity is achieved. The length of the
sheath is preferably 3 inches long but can be as long as 8 inches.
The sheath has the shape of a tube but can also be constructed of
two flat pieces attached together in the upper and lower thirds
leaving a tubular canal in the middle. The tubular space inside the
sheath can be 5 mm or up to 10 mm, or any length depending on the
instrument intended to be used. One embodiment of the sheath is
preferably constructed of but not limited to a thin piece of
high-density Polyurethane, Etha, Viscoelastic or Latex foams. It
can also be made of rubber foam or thin plastic. A water
impermeable fabric can also be use. The sheath can alternatively be
constructed of silicone or rubber.
The most distal or innermost part of the center sheath (16)
penetrates a reservoir (13). This reservoir can be constructed of
the same material as the sheath but is preferably made from a metal
or any good heat conducting metal such as iron, aluminum, steel,
and copper. The reservoir itself can also be made of a magnetic
metal material. The reservoir can be in the shape of a box or a
cylinder (13). It can be anywhere from 1/2 an inch to 2 inches long
and wide enough to accommodate at least a 5 mm to 10 mm scope and
still allow some space around the scope. The reservoir is
preferably filled with a defogging solution (14). The defogging
solution can be made of a combination of water, glycol, and a
water-soluble wetting agent but not limited to such. Alternatively,
the defogging solution used can be any commercially available
surgical defogging solution such as F.R.E.D .TM.. The reservoir can
also be filled with only plain water or saline. Ideally any
chemical able to enhance or facilitate the use of an instrument may
be used.
Internally, inside the canal between the reservoir filled with
defogging solution and the central sheath is a valve mechanism as
shown in FIG. 9. The valve mechanism is preferably constructed by
enclosing the reservoir around the distal aspect of the sheath
while at least 1 inch overhangs. The valve mechanism preferably
resembles a tube within a tube. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 shows the tube
within a tube mechanism that allows for the scope to enter the
reservoir and make contact with the solution (FIG. 8) but prevents
any fluid from spilling out of the reservoir when the apparatus is
turned upside down (FIG. 9) with the scope removed. The way it
liquid is prevented from falling out functions by creating a pocket
around the distil end of the sheath. When the sheath is turned with
the reservoir down all the liquid will fall into the reservoir. As
the sheath and reservoir are turned upside down, the liquid slides
along the side and enters the pocket surrounding the distal sheath.
Alternatively, the valve mechanism can also resemble a heart valve
or be made with a flap and a hinge that only opens in one
direction. The valve can also resemble a valve in a human vein. The
valve can be a ball and socket mechanism in which a ball inside the
reservoir plugs the hole when the reservoir is turned upside down
but still allows for the scope to enter in the other direction. The
valve mechanism can be constructed from a plastic material. It can
also be made from the same material used for the sheath such as a
high-density foam or water impermeable fabric. The valve can also
be made of metal, aluminum, or silicone. The valve can be any self
sealing mechanism known to person skilled in the art to prevent
leakage and splash black of fluid.
The entire center sheath including the distal reservoir segment is
surrounded by compound, that is unoxidized but can become easily
oxidized and release heat energy when it is oxidized (15).
Oxidation reactions are always exothermic, meaning that they always
release heat. Metal compounds share the common characteristic that
when in their elemental form they are prone to donate electrons and
are easily oxidized. The metal preferably used to surround the
sheath would be Iron or Fe. The iron is preferably in powder form
but can be in pellets or as shavings garnering a large reactive
surface area. The Iron used is preferably a commercially available
mixture, which uses a combination or Iron, vercumilite, activated
charcoal, and water. This commercially available mixture from
(mycoal) or (heatmax) can provide up to 6 hours of heat when the
iron is oxidized by atmospheric oxygen. Other metals such as Mg,
Aluminum, Nickel or Copper can also be used. Unoxidized Non-metals
can also be used in gas, powder, or liquid form. The material is
preferably in an oxygen permeable membrane wrapped around the
sheath. The amount of material surrounding the sheath can as thin
as 1/8 of an inch to as thick as to fill the entire upper chamber
(26). The unoxidized material can also be in liquid form
surrounding the sheath and reservoir. It can also be in a bag
surrounding the sheath and reservoir. The bag can be made of
plastic or impermeable rubber foam. Any combination of reactants
known to persons skilled in the art can be utilized to create the
exothermic reaction.
The one embodiment for heating the defogging solution inside the
reservoir as well as the long lasting sustained heating of the
apparatus uses three separate exothermic reactions The first
reaction uses the energy generated from a fast exothermic
decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide to heat the reservoir very
quickly. The second reaction is a slower but consistent
decomposition of H2O2. The third reaction uses the oxygen molecules
generated in the first and second reaction to slowly oxidize the
iron material surrounding the upper part of the reservoir and the
central sheath and heat the apparatus for a longer sustained period
of time.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an unstable molecule, which quickly and
spontaneously decomposes to H2O (water) and O2 (oxygen gas). The
balanced equation of the reaction is H2O2+H2O2=2H2O+O2. This
decomposition reaction is very exothermic. Although H2O2 decomposes
spontaneously the rate is much to slow at room temperature. A
catalyst is a molecule that facilitates and speeds up the rate of a
given reaction. When a catalyst is added to H2O2 the decomposition
of H2O2 speeds up greatly causing the H2O2 solution to heat up a
large quantities of Oxygen gas are released. By controlling the
amount of catalyst one can control the amount of Oxygen gas
generated and the amount of heat released to the solution. In the
preferred mechanism the catalyst used is Iron oxide. Alternatively
the catalyst can be any molecule that speeds up the decomposition
of H2O2. Alternatively catalysts such as manganese dioxide,
manganese (IV) oxide, silver catalyst, and potassium permanganate
can also be used. The natural enzyme, catalaze that is designed to
decompose H2O2 in plants and yeast can also be used. The catalyst
is preferably in powdered form or in pellets. It can also be in
shavings, crystals, and salt or in liquid form. The Shape and type
of catalyst determines the precise rate of H2O2 decomposition. The
Powdered form of catalyst is much more reactive than the pellet
form because of the larger surface area.
FIGS. 11-18 illustrate the exact mechanism for activation and
function of the preferred heating method. This method accomplishes
two things. Upon activation, a fast reaction occurs and the
solution in the reservoir is almost immediately heated above body
temperature, the heated solution is then maintained above body
temperature along with the interior of the apparatus for up to 7
hours.
FIG. 10 illustrates in detail all the components for an embodiment
of the exothermic reaction. The interior of the apparatus comprises
two chambers. One upper chamber (26), which contains the unoxidized
material (15), surrounds the sheath (12) and a lower H2O2
containing chamber (20) The H2O2 is contained in a thermo plastic
container. The container can alternatively by made from aluminum,
copper, iron or any material suitable commonly known to persons
skilled in the art. The H2O2 can also be kept in high-density
Polyurethane, Etha, Viscoelastic or Latex foam or rubber foam
container or any non reactive materials. The H2O2 could also be
maintained in a heat resistant plastic or silicone bag. The H2O2 is
preferably maintained in the lower part of the apparatus.
Alternatively the H2O2 can also be stored in the back or upper part
of apparatus. The H2O2 can also be maintained in a container
outside the apparatus.
The H2O2 is stored in one embodiment, in a plastic chamber that
also contains a cup shaped indentation (24), vacuole at the top
part of the container. The indentation creates a space, which
surrounds the reservoir (13). Inside the space surrounding the
reservoir there is a small amount of powdered iron oxide catalysts
(23). This catalyst is found between the reservoir and the internal
floor of the cup shaped indentation. The indentation is at least
large and deep enough to fit the reservoir and the surrounding
unoxidized material. The indented cup exterior is inside the bottom
chamber and is surrounded by H2O2 since it penetrates any where
from 1/2 inch to three inches inside the H2O2 container (24). The
external bottom of the cup shaped indentation contains a magnet
(22) The indentation in the H2O2 filled container can be any shape
as to allow the reservoir bottom and sides to be in direct contact
with the H2O2, only separated by the plastic or material that makes
up the wall of the H2O2 filled chamber. The cup shaped indentation
can alternatively be devoid of a magnet. Alternatively the H2O2 can
be completely separate without any indentation, and the reservoir
can just sit above the H2O2 receptacle. In this specific mechanism,
the H2O2 filled container has a hole in the uppermost part of the
chamber. This hole is sealed by a thin film (25). Sitting directly
above the film-covered hole in the upper chamber, is a cylinder or
hollow tubular container (18) with one open end directly making
contact with the film seal covering the hole (25). Preferably the
hollow cylinder is made from plastic. The seal can also be
constructed of aluminum, metal, ceramic, or any other suitable
material known to persons skilled in the art. The film sealing the
hole in the H2O2 filled container can be constructed of a thin
plastic or aluminum paper or a thin water impermeable paper or
fabric. Alternatively a one-way valve that is normally closed but
can be opened when the plunger cylinder pushes through can also be
used to create the seal.
The tubular hollow container sitting directly above the
film-covered hole is filled with the iron oxide catalyst (19). The
iron oxide catalyst is preferably in shavings or small pellets (19)
the amount and shape of the catalyst controls the rate in which the
decomposition of H2O2 occurs thereby controlling the generation of
heat and oxygen. The Film covered hole on the upper wall of the
H2O2 container is at least as wide as to allow the catalyst filled
cylinder to slide through. The uppermost part of the cylinder is
closed ended and has a solid extension to the exterior of the
apparatus (29). The extension can be a small plastic rod.
Alternatively it can be a wooden, metal or aluminum rod. This
extension has a flat part in the exterior of the apparatus (6).
Alternatively, the cylinder can be made without a plunger extension
and the cylinder itself can be long enough to penetrate to the
exterior of the apparatus. Any method commonly known to persons
skilled in the art can be utilized to initiate the exothermic
reaction.
In the upper part of the catalyst filled cylinder is a small tube
(17). This tube is open on both ends. One open end is inside the
catalyst filled cylinder and the other open end is inside the cup
shaped indented space surrounding the reservoir (30) The tube
creates an open communication between the inside of the catalyst
filled cylinder and the space (24) containing powdered catalyst
(23)surrounding the reservoir (13). The tube is preferably
constructed out of flexible plastic, or rubber. Silicone, PVC,
copper or aluminum tubing can also be used but is not limited to
such.
FIG. 11 illustrates the first step of one embodiment in the
activation of the exothermic reaction. When activation is desired,
downward pressure is applied to the external flat part (6) of the
extension (29) of the catalyst-containing cylinder (18). Once the
downward pressure is sufficient enough, the catalyst-containing
cylinder (18) will break through the film or seal separating the
lower chamber (25) the catalyst-containing cylinder will then enter
the lower H2O2 containing chamber (FIG. 12). The cylinder is pushed
about an inch deep into the H2O2 solution. Once the cylinder breaks
the seal gravity will cause the Iron oxide pellets to fall out of
the cylinder and enter the H2O2 solution. The H2O2 solution then
begins to slowly decompose at a controlled speed that is dependant
on the quantity and shape of the catalyst. As soon as the iron
oxide catalyst fall out of the cylinder and enter the H2O2 solution
the iron oxide pellets are attracted to the magnet (22) located in
the external bottom of the cup shaped indentation. This causes all
of the catalyst (19) to congregate around the magnet (FIG. 13). By
having all of the catalyst congregate around the magnet, the H2O2
decomposition will only occur around the external aspect of the cup
shaped indentation. The heat generated from the decomposition is
therefore much more efficiently transferred to the space around the
reservoir allowing for faster heating of the defogging solution in
the reservoir. Alternatively the catalyst can also be introduced by
having a double close ended, thin walled glass tube filled with the
catalyst. When desired, the glass tube is broken and the catalyst
is consequently introduced to the H2O2. Another method is to use a
liquid catalyst and maintain it in a container or bag above or
adjacent to the H2O2. When desired, a seal dividing the liquid
catalyst and the H2O2 can be broken and the liquid catalyst is
allowed drip into the H2O2. The rate of the decomposition and the
amount of O2 generated can then be controlled by the rate and
amount of the catalyst drip. Once the catalyst is introduced to the
H2O2 chamber, the H2O2 begins to decompose at any predetermined
rate.
As shown in FIG. 13 the H2O2 begins to decompose into H2O and O2
gas the gas rises up to the top of the H2O2 containing chamber.
(FIG. 14) shows the O2 gas building up in the top part of the H2O2
containing chamber. As more and more O2 is generated the pressure
begins to rise. The pressure of the O2 gas pushes on the liquid and
the H2O2 surrounding the cylinder begins to be pushed inside the
cylinder. (FIG. 15) As the O2 pressure continues to raise even more
the H2O2 that entered the cylinder is pushed in further. The H2O2
enters the small tube (17) and then flows out of the distal end of
the tube (30) and into the interior of the indented cup shaped
space (24). Since the H2O2 that enters the space around the
reservoir is a small amount and the powdered iron oxide catalyst
(23) has a large surface area, the H2O2 decomposes vigorously when
it makes contact with the powdered iron catalyst. Large amounts of
heat are quickly released and transferred to the reservoir. Since
this reaction occurs in direct contact with the reservoir
containing defogging solution (13) the solution inside the
reservoir is virtually instantaneously heated. At the same time a
bolus of Oxygen gas is generated inside the space from the fast
decomposition reaction. This Oxygen gas quickly rises into the
upper chamber and begins to exothermically oxidize the Iron
Material (15) thereby heating the sheath and upper part of the
reservoir. (FIG. 16) The O2 gas continues to be generated in the
lower chamber increasing the pressure even more. The Oxygen gas
travels into the empty cylinder (18) and then into the tube (17)
pushing out all the remaining H2O2 into the space around the
reservoir. After the ejection of the H2O2 into the indented space,
the level of the H2O2 in the lower chamber becomes lower than the
opening of the cylinder, H2O2 cannot enter the cylinder anymore and
only the O2 gas generated passes into the cylinder. FIG. 17, once
all of the H2O2 has completely entered the indented cup shaped
space (24) The O2 gas that is slowly generated in the lower
compartment flows through the hollow cylinder and into the tube
then out to the indented space where it quickly rises into the
upper chamber. As the oxygen begins to fill the middle chamber, the
unoxidized iron material begins to get oxidized by the O2 gas. This
exothermic reaction is much slower than the decomposition reaction
since the O2 is introduced slowly, and thus the heating can be
sustained for a long period of time. As the material exothermically
oxidizes, heat is generated and transferred to both the sheath and
reservoir, maintaining a sustained elevated temperature inside the
apparatus. The interior of the apparatus and the solution inside
the reservoir are maintained heated by both the heat generated by
the H2O2 decomposition occurring in the lower chamber directly
below the reservoir and also by the slow exothermic oxidation of
the iron material in the upper chamber. The exothermic reaction can
be sustained as long as desired by manipulating several factors.
The quantity and concentration of the Hydrogen Peroxide, the rate
of oxygen generation, which is determined by the speed of the
decomposition reaction, and by the amount of, unoxidized iron
material in the upper chamber. By generating the oxygen the
apparatus can be self-contained and sealed completely from the
environment as oppose to depending on atmospheric oxygen as the
oxidizing agent. Also, by generating the oxidizing agent, one is
able to control the amount and rate at which the oxygen is
delivered, thus giving one control over the length of the
exothermic reaction, speed of initiation, and the maximum
temperature of the exothermic reaction.
The Oxygen molecule is preferably generated by the decomposition of
6% Hydrogen Peroxide but other concentrations below 30% will work.
Alternatively, Oxygen can be generated from the decomposition of
Potassium chlorate (KclO3). Also the oxygen can be generated from
decomposition of oxides such as nitric oxide or Manganese dioxide.
Oxygen molecules can also be generated by decomposition of salts
such as Potassium nitrate. Oxygen can also be generated by the
chemical decomposition of water or the electrolysis of water. The
oxygen molecules can also come from atmospheric oxygen found in
air.
The oxygen can be generated from the combination of two or more of
the above methods. For example, some part of the oxygen can come
from the decomposition of one of the mentioned chemicals and
another part of the oxygen may come from atmospheric oxygen by way
of a vent or opening in the exterior of the apparatus (13).
The heating of the apparatus and reservoir can alternatively be
heated by using only atmospheric oxygen. The apparatus may contain
small vents in the exterior (13). These vents can be covered by a
seal. When the seal is removed the interior is exposed to
atmospheric oxygen, therefore oxidizing the material around the
sheath and reservoir heating the apparatus and the defogging
solution in the reservoir
In an alternative embodiment for the activation of the exothermic
reaction, the H2O2 is stored in a syringe that has a tube connected
to the space around the reservoir. The plunger is pushed from the
exterior. The plunger pushes into the syringe thereby pushing the
H2O2 out through the tube and into the bag surrounding the
reservoir. Inside the bag is a catalyst (Iron oxide). Immediately
upon mixing of the H2O2 with the catalyst the H2O2 begins to
rapidly decompose. The heat generated from the reaction quickly
heats the reservoir and solution inside reservoir. The plunger is
fully inserted and all of the H2O2 is completely introduced to the
bag surrounding the reservoir. As the H2O2 decomposes it releases
Oxygen gas. The gas escapes through the upper part of the bag and
immediately reacts with the Exothermic heat pack surrounding the
reservoir. This initiates the heat pack to begin heating. After the
oxygen runs out from the first reaction, the heat pack continues to
heat by using atmospheric oxygen which comes in through the vents
(3) on the outside of the apparatus
The exothermic reaction can alternatively only contain two
reactions. One is preferably a fast initial reaction that is used
to quickly heat the reservoir containing defogging solution or
saline. The second reaction is a slower sustained reaction that
maintains the temperature within the apparatus above body
temperature for a longer period of time.
The initial fast heating of the reservoir is preferably attained by
the highly exothermic decomposition of H2O2. Alternatively the fast
reaction can be generated from other chemicals such as Sodium
acetate and water, Calcium chloride and water. Alternatively a
battery and a heating filament can be used to heat the reservoir
during the initial fast heating part of the dual reaction.
The second, slower, longer lasting reaction is preferably the
oxidation of an iron mixture that contains Iron, vercumulite, water
and activated charcoal. The sustained longer reaction can also be a
combination of two chemicals located around the sheath. The
chemicals can be H2O2, Calcium chloride and water or Sodium acetate
and water. It can also be two chemicals that when combined form an
exothermic reduction oxidation reaction. Alternatively, energy from
a battery may also be used to heat the interior of the apparatus
and maintain the temperature of the reservoir above body
temperature for a sustained period of time.
A multiplicity of exothermic reactions may occur with a
multiplicity of different reactants commonly known to persons
skilled in the art.
While the above invention has been described with reference to
certain preferred embodiments, the scope of the present invention
is not limited to these embodiments. One skilled in the art may
find variations of these preferred embodiments which, nevertheless,
fall within the spirit of the present invention, whose scope is
defined by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *